Licking Heights

The Licking Heights school board hired Margaret "Peg" Betts as interim treasurer in a 5-0 vote during an Oct. 31 special meeting as current treasurer Jennifer Vanover moves to assistant treasurer.

"We've been in discussions for a while concerning the possibility of adding an assistant treasurer position, what that would look like, what responsibilities they would have, along with the remaining positions in the department," said board member Nicole Roth.

Roth said following the school board's Oct. 15 modifications to the structure of the treasurer's office, Vanover told board members she was interested in the new position.

"We value her as an employee of the district and came to a mutually beneficial decision to have her become the assistant treasurer," Roth said.

"After the board had an opportunity to consider and discuss my proposal, they have agreed to allow me to move into the assistant treasurer's position, effective when an interim treasurer can begin work," Vanover said in a statement dated Oct. 25.

"My decision to ask the board for this consideration stems from a desire to be able to devote more time to my family, while still serving the staff and students of Licking Heights. As the district continues to grow, the demands of the job continue to evolve. As such, the time requirements of my current position have caused me to take a step back and re-evaluate my work and home-life balance.

"As my children continue to become more involved in a variety of activities, I am seeking more flexibility in my ability to participate in their activities by having fewer weekend and evening commitments related to work. I appreciate the board allowing me to make this choice for me and my family and look forward to continuing to work for the Licking Heights community in my new role."

"As a board member, I completely support this decision," said Brian Bagley, board vice president. "(Vanover) has worked tirelessly for this district and her efforts are greatly appreciated. On behalf of the entire board, we're happy we could find a way to address her personal needs while having her continue to serve the district and our community."

Bagley said restructuring the treasurer's office is something the district has focused on for a few years.

"Our current office structure is at the same size as when the district enrollment was 1,000 students and significantly less staff," he said. "Today, we are pushing 4,000 students and significantly more staff."

Bagley said the board hired Betts as interim treasurer and her first day was Oct. 31. The Educational Service Center of Central Ohio helped Licking Heights find Betts, who is a former Granville treasurer.

She also has worked for Gahanna, Newark, Reynoldsburg and Upper Arlington, and she recently served as New Albany-Plain Local's interim treasurer.